How to remove water stains on granite countertops

Marble Renovations Initial Thoughts

If you’ve ever had hard water stains on your granite countertops, you know how frustrating they can be to remove.

Not to worry though – in this guide we will walk you through the simple steps for how to get rid of hard water stains on granite quickly and easily. So read on and say goodbye to those pesky blemishes!

What causes hard water stains on granite surfaces?

First, it is important to understand what causes a hard water stain. Hard water is simply water that contains a high concentration of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. When this water comes into contact with granite (or any other porous surface), it can leave behind unsightly white or brownish stains.

If you have hard water, you know the drill. Water spots and mineral deposits seem to appear out of nowhere, no matter how much elbow grease you put into cleaning your bathroom or kitchen surfaces. Your granite countertops are no exception. Though granite is a durable natural stone, it’s not immune to hard water staining.

Fortunately, you don’t have to call in a professional to get rid of hard water stains on your granite countertops. With a little know-how and the right products, you can easily remove hard water stains from granite at home. Here’s how:

Granite Ratings & Best Maintenance Products

Granite Ratings

With over 35 years experience in the natural stone restoration trade we give Granite the below durability ratings.

Hardness

Scratch Resistant

Heat Proof

Best Cleaning Product

By far the best product to clean Granite Countertops is Lithofin Power Clean. It’s acid free and suitable for all natural stone surfaces.

Best Sealant

There are many products in the market designed to seal your natural stone. This is by far the best for Granite .

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We only recommend products we have used ourselves and are happy to recommend to others. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to yourself.

What kind of hard water stain is it?

First, identify the type of stain you’re dealing with. If the stain is light or superficial, you can usually remove it with a little elbow grease and a gentle cleanser. For tougher stains, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution.Once you have removed the

Once you’ve determined the type of stain you’re dealing with, it’s time to get started on removal. For light stains, simply mix a mild dish soap with warm water and use a soft cloth to scrub the affected area. If the stain persists, you can try the following:

Fine wire wool and natural stone soap

Break off a bit of fine wire wool, also known as steel wool. Make sure it’s “Fine” wire wool and not the coarse wool, as coarse wire wool could scratch your granite surface.

Then add a small amount of natural stone soap to the effected area. Gently scrub the soap into the area. Then wipe away the mild soap with fresh water and dry with a paper towel. Once dry, buff the area again with the fine wire wool.

Follow the steps below for how to remove hard water stains from granite

Use fine wire wool to remove anything on the surface, like limescale. Make sure the surface is nice and smooth.

Do not use any coarse wire wool as this could scratch the granite.

Massage a small quantity of natural stone soap on the affected area.

Dry off any remaining liquid

Finally buff again using the fine wire wool

Use a plastic scraper or razor blade

Removing hard water stains can be difficult. You should remove any large crusty hard water build-up using a plastic scraper, if necessary you can use a razor blade but make sure you do not scratch the surface, as you will need to call in a professional to remove any scratches from your granite counter.

Once you have removed the hard water deposits from the surface of the granite you can use an old toothbrush or a soft brush with soft bristles in a circular motion over the water stains or water rings.

Granite Top Maintenance Tips

Other solutions for how to remove hard water stains from granite

Keep Your Granite Countertop Clean

The best solution for hard water stains and mineral deposits is to consistently dry any areas that become wet. Wiping up spills on a daily basis with a sponge is the first and most effective method of cleaning your granite countertop or marble countertops.

The majority of house owners wipe spills away every day with mild dish soap and a soapy sponge, which is an excellent place to start. When you have hard water, however, this may result in soap scum being left behind.

Always make sure you wipe away any soapy residue

For this reason, you need to follow up with a rinse to remove any traces of soap scum that could dull the surface. After wiping, though, you also need to dry the surface. Remember, standing water can leave mineral deposits behind that are hard to remove, so wipe up spills immediately and dry the surface with a microfiber cloth to soak up all the water and avoid scratching the sealant.

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Household ingredients

Fortunately, there are a few simple household ingredients that can effectively remove hard water stains from granite counters but you must be careful as anything acidic can actually harm the stone, so make sure you wipe up after yourself and not leave acidic solutions on the surface for long.

Vinegar or lemon juice and water solution

One popular method is to use a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Simply apply this mixture to the stained area with a clean cloth and scrub gently until the stain fades. Always make sure to clean the solution away as vinegar may also stain if not removed promptly.

Baking powder solution

If you don’t have vinegar on hand, another option is to make a thick paste out of baking soda and water. Again, apply this to the stain and scrub until it disappears.

First, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the hard water stains and let sit for about 15 minutes. Next, wipe away the paste with a damp cloth. Finally, rinse the area with clean water and dry with a soft towel.

You can safely treat stubborn hard water stains on your natural stone countertops with a paste of baking soda and water, despite the fact that it’s not usually a good idea to use abrasive cleansers on them. Simply apply it to the impacted area and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush, then rinse with water and dry with a cloth.

Once you’ve removed the hard water stains, be sure to rinse the area well with clean water and dry it off completely. This will help prevent new stains from forming in the future.

Final Thoughts on How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Granite

Now that you know how to remove hard water stains from granite surfaces, it’s important to keep your countertop clean on a daily basis. Wipe up spills immediately and dry the surface with a microfiber cloth to avoid mineral deposits and hard water stains.

You can also use a natural stone soap and fine steel wool to clean your countertop on a weekly basis. By following these simple tips, you can keep your granite countertop looking like new for years to come.

Don’t forget you can call us anytime if you have any questions or concerns about how best to look after your natural stone countertops or floors.

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